On June 10, The Summit School held its 21st commencement ceremony for their graduating eighth grade class of 2011. In Summit tradition, students from first to seventh grades, faculty, families, alumni, and members of the Summit Board of Directors, gathered on campus to celebrate the thirteen students who were graduating.
The morning is steeped in ritual from faculty members giving individual speeches about each graduate and graduates receiving a Summit hat and a graduation certificate. The ceremony culminates in The Circle of Friendship, a time-honored tradition lead by George Washington University’s Dr. Michael S. Castleberry, a consultant to the school. The night before the ceremony, each graduate gave a personal speech highlighting their individual journey and expectations for the future.
Summit Alumni, Beth Williams (1997), returned to campus and was presented with the E. Allen Robinson Most Likely to Succeed Award. This award is presented to an alumnus who has accomplished personal goals since graduating from Summit. Ms. Williams has completed a Master’s Degree in Education from Simmons College, works with children with autism, and is becoming a certified Behavior Specialist.
The following awards were presented to graduates:
- Parker Phillips, The Donner Award chosen by the entire student body and faculty for enthusiasm, integrity, and responsibility;
- Emma Mugford and Brian Katula, The Duff Award for highest GPA;
- Emma Mugford and Brian Katula, The Scholar-Athlete Award for diligence and leadership with academics and sports;
- Carter Lentz, The Sojourner Award for attending Summit since his primary years;
- Ben Jabin, Achievement in Writing Award.
The Summit School is a co-ed, not-for-profit school for students in grades one thorugh eight that offers a highly individualized academic program for bright students with dyslexia and other learning differences.
